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Classifications v Generalizations

Classificationclas·si·fi·ca·tion\ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən\: the act or process of putting people or things into groups based on ways that they are alike.Generalization : gen·er·al·i·za·tion\ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌje-nə-\: the act or process of forming opinions that are based on a small amount of information

I’ve been out of college for 5 years and about a few years after grade school, and I can’t remember the reason why we have to classify things. For cognitive reasons perhaps? To know the difference between right and wrong? The first time we’ve officially been introduced to classification was during Scientific Experiments, which is a sheer bit of useless next to Mr Generalization.

If we could classify things and use it in our everyday lives, can we classify people? Based on gender, skill, and intelligence? Based on how they drive a car? Based on how they scored in Mathematics? Or based on their college degrees?

I grew up with a lot of skills– I can play volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, badminton. I can say I’m alright with writing–script or news, and I’m a frustrated artist, mind you. But I was never the best. I was never the most intelligent, nor the most athletic. I guess I was always the get-to girl. But not the most reliable either.

How are you being classified at home? Were you the smartest? Were you the most diligent in school? Or were you the person who could make them all speechless just by thinking how to describe you?

As being the youngest of four, you might get the picture of constant sneers and rants but thank god it’s not. Instead, it’s this huge elephant in the room.

I’d like to think that this issue has to be considered as a taboo topic. We all have something to offer. Being a person is not based on classifications. If you were classified as useless, would you step up just to prove them wrong? Even if you know that you are not, would you waste your life proving to anybody that particular something that you can lay on the table?

I’m not blaming anyone for being so goddamned smart or resourceful in life or if they excel on something. I just therefore conclude that being classified as a nobody doesn’t define who you really are.

But if you are on the upside of this issue, think about the people beneath you, or the people that you think are beneath you, then ask yourself: Since when are you all high and mighty to judge a person?

If a cat caught a fish today but before that, his whole life he ate nothing that has eyes, would it still be called a murderer?

If a kid failed a grade, why would he be taunted by that issue? Isn’t the situation itself punishment enough?

Most people just forget how to just live their lives– not minding all the stereotypes or labels and judgements in this borrowed life.